tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79214689500303226522018-03-05T22:47:17.200-05:00Home LivingRebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-47288257014642721692011-05-27T09:29:00.006-04:002011-05-27T13:33:57.250-04:00Annapolis, May 2011<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x9NNZvxkloc/Td-oBoD7mKI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/kqYW_EcWAjI/s1600/SAM_0015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x9NNZvxkloc/Td-oBoD7mKI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/kqYW_EcWAjI/s320/SAM_0015.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611388406614169762" border="0" /></a> This week Riley, Dean, and I went with my dad to visit my grandparents in Annapolis. It was a quick trip, but so fun to see my grandparents, aunts, and uncles interacting with the kids. Memories always come flooding in when I go back there. As a kid we would spend a week every summer at their house on the Chesapeake (in addition to shorter visits throughout the year). The summer trips were always so special. For several years we went on our own - no parents! At Mumu's house (poor Grandpa always got left out of the title) there were hard rules, but also so many special treats. One of the famous Mumu sayings is "tough!" which was always brought out when anyone was complaining or whining. At Mumu's house you were expected to brush teeth multiple times a day (a hard rule to follow for kids on vacation), wash hands before all meals, bring dishes to the sink, and always say please and thank you. You were also expected to drink your daily root beer float, eat MANY Mumu cookies (to those of you that haven't had them you are missing out), go sailing and eat lots of potato sticks.<br /><br />Rose perfume, canasta, Disney movies on the floor of the den, rides in the dingy, sailing trips, dodging jelly fish, riding fold-up bikes around the block, trips to the aquarium, naps on the porch, learning to sew, running past the scarey stuffed marlin in the basement, running through the pouring rain with JCPenny's garment bags over our clothes, crabcakes, Mumu cake...need I say more?<br /><br />It was precious to watch my ailing Mumu play with Riley as she has so many babies. She can make them "talk", laugh, and squeal just by looking at them. Riley was no exception. I loved sitting in the living room and watching them interact. It was magic to have her hold Riley on her lap and see them giggle together. As many know, Mumu is quite sick and sometimes not entirely herself. But in the presence of small children, she is everything I remember her to be. She is my amazing grandmother and it was such a treat to see her in that glow once more.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fmdo7beOrkM/Td_gLeonQnI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/4CP_avSKJyE/s1600/SAM_0016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fmdo7beOrkM/Td_gLeonQnI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/4CP_avSKJyE/s320/SAM_0016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611450148533518962" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MPww1TZI144/Td-oB01H2zI/AAAAAAAAA4g/_jwSSbljWK8/s1600/SAM_0016.JPG"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W_a8lWnleIs/Td-oCM8mOzI/AAAAAAAAA4o/j1rJQEpr1Ps/s1600/SAM_0017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-W_a8lWnleIs/Td-oCM8mOzI/AAAAAAAAA4o/j1rJQEpr1Ps/s320/SAM_0017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611388416515521330" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jdSrb1rk9tw/Td-oBRsjKnI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/Ke_VE6UqJJw/s1600/SAM_0013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jdSrb1rk9tw/Td-oBRsjKnI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/Ke_VE6UqJJw/s320/SAM_0013.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611388400610519666" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQJFabeJ8BM/Td-oCU3xAfI/AAAAAAAAA4w/fH5wNG1CgxU/s1600/SAM_0018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rQJFabeJ8BM/Td-oCU3xAfI/AAAAAAAAA4w/fH5wNG1CgxU/s320/SAM_0018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611388418642739698" border="0" /></a>Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-52058561733633873412011-05-27T08:46:00.005-04:002011-05-27T09:29:25.553-04:00Update - long overdue<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-venXlS20G5U/Td-hd0J5CoI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/v0AtFq5B9Ow/s1600/100_2771.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-venXlS20G5U/Td-hd0J5CoI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/v0AtFq5B9Ow/s320/100_2771.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611381194315336322" border="0" /></a><br />I am embarrassed that I haven't blogged in 5 months. Life has been incredibly busy and time is flying by. Dean is a crazy little boy who loves to learn ("What's that Mommy? What does this mean Mommy?), loves to play outside, and loves to snuggle with his blanket (so much like his Mommy). Riley is growing in leaps and bounds. She is almost crawling now, babbling all day long, and can feed herself little bits of food. The kids together are quite a pair. Some moments they play together, others they have to be separated. It's quite obvious that Riley loves her big brother, but Dean is not quite ready to share all his toys and space with his sister.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aLA_ElnxOH8/Td-heiRd90I/AAAAAAAAA3g/xg3QMyjGD94/s1600/100_2867.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aLA_ElnxOH8/Td-heiRd90I/AAAAAAAAA3g/xg3QMyjGD94/s320/100_2867.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611381206695147330" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-fF74flNFM/Td-heLg69YI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/WOGYXU9BxEE/s1600/100_2842.JPG"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ecbdiwLmgvs/Td-hdo5XhlI/AAAAAAAAA3I/G6Y7ax5pBKk/s1600/100_2872.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ecbdiwLmgvs/Td-hdo5XhlI/AAAAAAAAA3I/G6Y7ax5pBKk/s320/100_2872.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611381191293240914" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N0FbBw-XCEM/Td-heu98DKI/AAAAAAAAA3o/qgxLhFp5noQ/s1600/Easter%2B2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N0FbBw-XCEM/Td-heu98DKI/AAAAAAAAA3o/qgxLhFp5noQ/s320/Easter%2B2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611381210102893730" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H0K2OY5RUY0/Td-mBaddbSI/AAAAAAAAA4A/c_YD31R3hX0/s1600/Easter%2BSunday.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H0K2OY5RUY0/Td-mBaddbSI/AAAAAAAAA4A/c_YD31R3hX0/s320/Easter%2BSunday.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611386203939892514" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPfKyi254KU/Td-mBo29sWI/AAAAAAAAA4I/9EqVQo6VQZU/s1600/100_2830.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPfKyi254KU/Td-mBo29sWI/AAAAAAAAA4I/9EqVQo6VQZU/s320/100_2830.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611386207804961122" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SApmN7sIaOY/Td-mBJcheEI/AAAAAAAAA34/lmisognZaJk/s1600/100_2863.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SApmN7sIaOY/Td-mBJcheEI/AAAAAAAAA34/lmisognZaJk/s320/100_2863.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611386199372560450" border="0" /></a><br />We have moved into a new house in Wake Forest and LOVE it. We quickly realized after Riley was born that we needed more space if we wanted to ever have friends and relatives come and see us. With Josh working from home we are free to pick where we live which gave us the freedom to take some time and visit a number of neighboring towns. We were very interested in somewhere that was smaller and a tighter community. Raleigh is a wonderful city, but very anonymous feeling - too many people and too many choices. Wake Forest has been a great place for us and our neighborhood includes wonderful attributes like at-home-parents weekly playgroups, monthly ladies night out, book club, block parties, etc. So great.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-fF74flNFM/Td-heLg69YI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/WOGYXU9BxEE/s1600/100_2842.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y-fF74flNFM/Td-heLg69YI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/WOGYXU9BxEE/s320/100_2842.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611381200585946498" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xCKpZWEfrmU/Td-mAsGVxMI/AAAAAAAAA3w/OLJG2-I-bFc/s1600/100_2858.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xCKpZWEfrmU/Td-mAsGVxMI/AAAAAAAAA3w/OLJG2-I-bFc/s320/100_2858.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5611386191494890690" border="0" /></a><br />We are entering into a new chapter in life. Dean will begin preschool in the fall and ages into all kinds of new activities like swim lessons, parent-kid karate class, and other more independent adventures. The next 6 months is filled with weddings of friends and families. My brother Mark and Josh's brother Joel are getting married this year, bringing fantastic new women into our family. We are only a little over a week away from celebrating our 6th anniversary. Seems like much longer in so many ways, and shorter in others. It's been such an adventure and we await the many more with eager anticipation.<br /><br />Josh's business is incredibly buys and growing rapidly. He and his brother Zach have joined forces over the last year and quadrupled business. They have a team of dedicated contract employees, not to mention the other family members that are working for them. While my sister-in-law Lauren and I miss our husbands as they travel and toil away, we are SOOOOOO proud of what they have accomplished and the company they are building.<br /><br />So to sum it up: busy work, busy mom, growing kids, new house, extreme thankfulness for the blessings we've been given.Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-6907373315130953552010-12-26T14:07:00.008-05:002011-01-03T18:56:50.439-05:00Christmas 2010 - Wonderfully Simple<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TReTm7v8KMI/AAAAAAAAAvA/EU8XoOHa768/s1600/100_2447.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TReTm7v8KMI/AAAAAAAAAvA/EU8XoOHa768/s320/100_2447.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555070962467875010" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> (I know I'm biased, but is this not the sweetest thing? He genuinely loves his little sister. What I couldn't get to stay on this blog entry is him singing "Twinkle, twinkle little star" to her while they laid on the couch together right after this. Best Christmas present ever!)</span><br /></div><br />This Christmas was wonderfully simple. Josh has been insanely busy with work and putting in 15 hour days 7 days a week. Christmas came and we got 2 whole days with him. It was wonderful. We played in our pajamas all morning, ate too many sweets, went shopping, napped, and more. Again, it was wonderful. Christmas morning my parents came over in their pajamas and we opened presents while eating Josh's homemade donuts. We played with new toys, watched Christmas movies, napped here and there, ate dinner with more family, and ended the day watching my 2 year old run in the falling snow in his pajamas with carhartt overalls over top and a santa hat on. A wonderfully simple holiday.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Riley asleep before the festivities even began Christmas morning.<br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TReVSN0gtII/AAAAAAAAAvw/ml63iKBFKvg/s1600/100_2517.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TReVSN0gtII/AAAAAAAAAvw/ml63iKBFKvg/s320/100_2517.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555072805564888194" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dean pointing out which donut he wants to eat first<br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TReVRwxIFpI/AAAAAAAAAvo/tOPgYG_cVko/s1600/100_2515.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TReVRwxIFpI/AAAAAAAAAvo/tOPgYG_cVko/s320/100_2515.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555072797766063762" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Riley has a smile that could make anyone join in. Who couldn't smile at those cheeks!<br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TReTnNLI5SI/AAAAAAAAAvI/YCQEMG_OouM/s1600/100_2451.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TReTnNLI5SI/AAAAAAAAAvI/YCQEMG_OouM/s320/100_2451.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555070967145358626" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Wearing her Christmas outfit from Uncle Bill and Aunt Ruth<br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TReVSHW9dSI/AAAAAAAAAv4/Juv-vAmTx1w/s1600/100_2519.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TReVSHW9dSI/AAAAAAAAAv4/Juv-vAmTx1w/s320/100_2519.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555072803830330658" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dean in the snow Christmas night.<br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TReVSbpL1ZI/AAAAAAAAAwA/XmUFggNwlvQ/s1600/100_2533.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TReVSbpL1ZI/AAAAAAAAAwA/XmUFggNwlvQ/s320/100_2533.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555072809275479442" border="0" /></a><br />We awoke the next day to over 6 inches of fluffy, white snow. In Erie, PA this would have been normal. In Raleigh, NC this is a treat! It continued to snow most of the day. Josh had to return to work, but Dean and I were able to run around the backyard throwing snowballs for the dogs to catch and making snow angels. We never got out of our pjs that day. A wonderfully simple day.<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Our house<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TReYMl8fGXI/AAAAAAAAAwo/oV5dsBuDQII/s1600/100_2544.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TReYMl8fGXI/AAAAAAAAAwo/oV5dsBuDQII/s320/100_2544.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555076007496456562" border="0" /></a>Dean cleaning off the cars<br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TReYMdXhk9I/AAAAAAAAAwg/sGG8YcmFHVw/s1600/100_2543.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TReYMdXhk9I/AAAAAAAAAwg/sGG8YcmFHVw/s320/100_2543.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555076005193946066" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I had to teach Dean about "yellow snow"<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TReYMPrlfTI/AAAAAAAAAwY/wJOx6f6FcQQ/s1600/100_2540.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TReYMPrlfTI/AAAAAAAAAwY/wJOx6f6FcQQ/s320/100_2540.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555076001519992114" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Hard to walk in rubber boots and carhartts that are 2 sizes too big<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TReYL-fTlzI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/cWKnYwU07qs/s1600/100_2538.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TReYL-fTlzI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/cWKnYwU07qs/s320/100_2538.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555075996905084722" border="0" /></a><br />Reflections on Christmas 2010<br /></div>This year my family decided not to exchange gifts, but instead take a weekend trip together in mid-January. At the same time, Josh and I decided not to exchange gifts either. I was very happy to not be searching for gifts for everyone, especially with 2 small children in tow, but I also found that it left me a little "off" this season. I didn't realize how much gift-giving really got me into the spirit of the season. I think I was a little caught off guard by it. Without that search, that anticipation of exchange, I found that Christmas kind of snuck up on me. I put up the decorations, turned on the music, and even made Christmas cookies, but I never really got into it. Those that know me, know that I LOVE Christmas. I've even been dubbed the Christmas Nazi by some family members. Traditions, rituals, routines...these are essential to me in this season. I thought changing the gift-giving would help free me up to enjoy these things more, not realizing that the giving is itself one of the biggest routines. It helped me to really think about family and their individual likes, dislikes, and little quirks. This is a good thing. I'm not saying that gift-giving has to be a $20 present swap or that there should ever be pressure to do so because it's the "ritual" of the holiday. I just think that however we celebrate, the thing to remember is the individuals in our lives - their likes, dislikes, and little quirks - and how blessed we are to have a God that loves us enough to place each of them in our worlds. I love my family and I love my friends. I'm thinking of you all (and thankful that I'm not giving you gifts) and sending my love to you where ever you are.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TReTm7v8KMI/AAAAAAAAAvA/EU8XoOHa768/s1600/100_2447.JPG"><br /></a>Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-48218983600690664182010-12-10T11:02:00.010-05:002010-12-11T14:50:09.234-05:00Fall Festivities10 weeks under my belt and I think I'm flailing a little less. It has been a BUSY ten weeks with many relatives visiting, Josh's business booming (meaning long hours and lots of traveling), seasons changing, and the usual day-to-day craziness that is our lives.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJ6TjfASEI/AAAAAAAAAuc/X2YcCXfaQgI/s1600/DSCF1315.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJ6TjfASEI/AAAAAAAAAuc/X2YcCXfaQgI/s320/DSCF1315.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549132167235258434" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Doesn't Dean look happy? Poor guy had bronchitis.</span><br /></div><br />This Halloween Josh and I took the kids to a "pumpkin patch". This was no ordinary pumpkin patch. Actually, it wasn't a pumpkin patch at all. It was a fall theme park that just happened to be on someone's farm. There were bouncy castles, a petting zoo, huge tunnels through hay, barns with hay 5 feet deep to play in, and 2 story slides on potato sacks. There was a tractor ride that took you to a field where there were hundreds of pumpkins spread out and every person got to pick their own (I guess that justifies calling it a pumpkin patch). We had a great time.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJoOTmrj9I/AAAAAAAAAsw/V9B1Jpk9HZs/s1600/100_2381.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJoOTmrj9I/AAAAAAAAAsw/V9B1Jpk9HZs/s320/100_2381.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549112285863841746" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJoOGpPKdI/AAAAAAAAAso/sYt3I0SOnv4/s1600/100_2386.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJoOGpPKdI/AAAAAAAAAso/sYt3I0SOnv4/s320/100_2386.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549112282384902610" border="0" /></a><br />When the actual day came around Dean dressed up as a dinosaur/dragon and went trick-or-treating around the neighborhood, with Jess and Cooper in tow as Batman and Robin. He LOVED the idea of everyone giving him candy. Who wouldn't. Josh and I made sure to ease him into the sugar high capital of the year, by consuming the majority of his earnings ourselves. A sacrifice we took very seriously. The hard part now is getting Dean to understand that you only go trick-or-treating once a year.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJoNmkZK6I/AAAAAAAAAsg/2QLKeslY5EA/s1600/IMG_9260.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJoNmkZK6I/AAAAAAAAAsg/2QLKeslY5EA/s320/IMG_9260.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549112273774652322" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJoNWab6bI/AAAAAAAAAsY/pYQa1dD7qBI/s1600/100_2410.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJoNWab6bI/AAAAAAAAAsY/pYQa1dD7qBI/s320/100_2410.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549112269437921714" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJoNEy5RfI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/18rQ9xCOE6w/s1600/100_2404.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJoNEy5RfI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/18rQ9xCOE6w/s320/100_2404.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549112264708670962" border="0" /></a>We traveled up to Michigan this year for Thanksgiving to be with Josh's family. The original plan was that Dean and Josh would drive up with all our stuff, accompanied by Uncle Zach and Aunt Elizabeth (and Bowser her bulldog of course), while Riley and I flew (we weren't ready to attempt a drive that long with a 2-month-old). Josh ended up traveling all week on business and rather than fly back to NC just to leave that same day to drive 13 hours, he opted to fly directly to Michigan, leaving his brother and sister to drive the 13 hours up with our 2-year-old. Thankfully he is a really good traveler and Uncle Zach and Aunt EB are very patient people!<br /><br />We had a great week with almost everyone from the immediate family there. Joel's new fiance Catherine and Elizabeth's boyfriend Michael were out of the country and could not attend. They were both greatly missed.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJuTsKWQ6I/AAAAAAAAAs4/1Remt0G--RI/s1600/DSCF1339.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJuTsKWQ6I/AAAAAAAAAs4/1Remt0G--RI/s320/DSCF1339.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549118975425004450" border="0" /></a><br />Josh and his Uncle Kim carving the turkeys.<br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJuUjLsIoI/AAAAAAAAAtY/jYcJY14CDVE/s1600/IMG_9412.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJuUjLsIoI/AAAAAAAAAtY/jYcJY14CDVE/s320/IMG_9412.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549118990194582146" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">It was SUPER cold most of the time we were there, but that didn't stop Josh, Dean, and Bronwyn from getting out in the kayaks for a spin around the lake.<br /><br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJuUYZTUCI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/UNuChTACmoo/s1600/IMG_9341.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJuUYZTUCI/AAAAAAAAAtQ/UNuChTACmoo/s320/IMG_9341.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549118987298885666" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJuUIRZ-6I/AAAAAAAAAtI/--LGZkTtZ9Q/s1600/IMG_9346.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJuUIRZ-6I/AAAAAAAAAtI/--LGZkTtZ9Q/s320/IMG_9346.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549118982970801058" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJuTsKWQ6I/AAAAAAAAAs4/1Remt0G--RI/s1600/DSCF1339.JPG"><br /></a>It was a full house with 8-9 adults (depending on the day), a 2-year-old, a 1-year-old, a newborn, and 4 big dogs. We had great time visiting, playing with the kids, and eating to our hearts content...DAILY. My mother-in-law, Bronwyn, sent my sister-in-law and I off to the masseuse while we were there - a pampering for mothers in need. And the grandparents babysat a few times to let us "kids" go out together and have a few drinks. It was really nice to have that adult time, not to mention all the help with the kids.<br /><br />One day that everyone seemed to be working or have other plans, my sister-in-law Lauren and me took our 3 small children an hour away to the Ann Arbor Children's Museum. We were optimistic that we could get everyone there, have fun, and back home with no big upsets...and we were RIGHT! It was great fun and 4 out of 5 of us (because I was driving) even managed long naps on the way home! Sadly, we managed the whole day without taking a single picture though .<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dean and my nephew Noah watching the sun rise over the lake.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJuTxyHf9I/AAAAAAAAAtA/7cs4fAzUBDM/s1600/IMG_9333.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJuTxyHf9I/AAAAAAAAAtA/7cs4fAzUBDM/s320/IMG_9333.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549118976933986258" border="0" /></a>Noah and Aunt EB's dog Bowser. GG got him pjs with bulldogs on them because they act and look so much alike.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJ3wXDsQUI/AAAAAAAAAuA/jk4GYYGUO2k/s1600/IMG_9370.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJ3wXDsQUI/AAAAAAAAAuA/jk4GYYGUO2k/s320/IMG_9370.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549129363580797250" border="0" /></a><br />Greatgrandma Barricklow and Riley<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJ3vwmyqMI/AAAAAAAAAt4/7w0K1PAVyOY/s1600/IMG_9458.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJ3vwmyqMI/AAAAAAAAAt4/7w0K1PAVyOY/s320/IMG_9458.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549129353259034818" border="0" /></a><br />Noni and Riley<br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJ3vpf3LRI/AAAAAAAAAtw/mvOulMaOdLA/s1600/IMG_9413.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJ3vpf3LRI/AAAAAAAAAtw/mvOulMaOdLA/s320/IMG_9413.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549129351350922514" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">GG and Riley<br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJ3vIXowqI/AAAAAAAAAto/kyqmHUWk9BU/s1600/IMG_9400.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJ3vIXowqI/AAAAAAAAAto/kyqmHUWk9BU/s320/IMG_9400.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549129342458053282" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Pop and Riley<br /></div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJ3u1KrZNI/AAAAAAAAAtg/BRXtBfGQM34/s1600/IMG_9352.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJ3u1KrZNI/AAAAAAAAAtg/BRXtBfGQM34/s320/IMG_9352.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549129337303426258" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Aunt EB with Dean and Bowser<br /></div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJ6TycxiKI/AAAAAAAAAuk/_kt4S0uGBsQ/s1600/IMG_9462.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TQJ6TycxiKI/AAAAAAAAAuk/_kt4S0uGBsQ/s320/IMG_9462.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5549132171252435106" border="0" /></a><br />With Christmas coming and Josh's business still incredibly busy the chaos of the season seems to be upon us. We managed to get a Christmas tree and put up decorations inside, although our lights for the outside are still in a heap in the living room. Laundry goes undone, floors go unswept, and faces go unwiped, but we're happy and healthy with so much to be thankful for. It's been quite an amazing 11 months and I'm sure this last month of 2010 will not disappoint!Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-85023913841050761542010-11-13T14:57:00.004-05:002010-11-13T15:05:28.243-05:00Nighttime with the BarricklowsThis is the nightly routine in the Barricklow house:<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Bath time - making life easier by bathing them at the same time<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TN7u-OF2uWI/AAAAAAAAArs/oJibInecTLM/s1600/Riley%2Band%2BDean%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bbath%2B%25282%2529%2B11.12.10.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TN7u-OF2uWI/AAAAAAAAArs/oJibInecTLM/s320/Riley%2Band%2BDean%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bbath%2B%25282%2529%2B11.12.10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539127344414243170" border="0" /></a><br />Followed by milk on the couch watching Mickey Mouse<br /></div><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TN7u-S4XqJI/AAAAAAAAAr0/CgQWobEerPw/s1600/milk%2Bbefore%2Bbed%2B11.12.10.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TN7u-S4XqJI/AAAAAAAAAr0/CgQWobEerPw/s320/milk%2Bbefore%2Bbed%2B11.12.10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539127345699858578" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I gotta say, I really like our nighttime routine. I am always in PJs at the same time as the kids (7:30pm) and we all get snuggle time on the couch. A good way to end the day.Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-22800123874936443022010-10-10T15:03:00.006-04:002010-10-10T16:19:13.122-04:001st week with 2 children<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TLIbpF3g8XI/AAAAAAAAAqw/0hREpCMhkl8/s1600/IMG_9039.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TLIbpF3g8XI/AAAAAAAAAqw/0hREpCMhkl8/s320/IMG_9039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526510085500629362" border="0" /></a><br />It's the end of my first week home with 2 children. I honestly can not complain. I have had it EASY. Not only do I have a doting husband, but my doting brother-in-law Joel and his wonderful girlfriend Catherine were here for the first few days I was home, and my beautiful, loving mother has been here all week. I think I've had a total of 2 hours where it was just me and my children. Tomorrow morning may be a rude awakening!<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TLIV9xzUSVI/AAAAAAAAAqI/evMMABuxzVE/s1600/IMG_9018.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TLIV9xzUSVI/AAAAAAAAAqI/evMMABuxzVE/s320/IMG_9018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526503843821799762" border="0" /></a><br />Both kids are doing so well. Dean, while indifferent most of the time, seems to like his baby sister. He even has bouts of affection coupled with tackling motions and pacis thrust in faces. All in all, a great start for us. A few things seem to baffle the Deanster though: he does not seem to understand why she cries when she's hungry and has taken to imitating her when she does; and he is completely confused as to why she doesn't have a penis and is worried that she's lost it every time she gets a diaper change. Just for good measure he reaches into his diaper to make sure his is still there. He then proceeds to go through the list of people he knows asking if they have a penis. One interesting thing that Josh and I have noticed (and I've heard from others with multiple kids) is that Dean, while perfectly fine around Riley, has been having random tantrums in other areas. None of these tantrums seem directly linked to his sister, but instead seem to be his attempts to grasp at some form of control. For example, he has had outbursts about diaper changes or taking off his diaper that he's never had before, and has been very particular about how things are done while you are with you. The latter we think may be linked to his desire to have your full attention. You can't half-ass it when you have a 2 year old determining every second of play and changing it up when he thinks you aren't paying attention to him. We're both interested to see how the next several weeks go as Dean gets more used to a new routine in the house, and hope to keep a good deal of focus still on Dean so that he continues to feel love and attention from us.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TLIV--In9uI/AAAAAAAAAqY/c-EIhQEfGgk/s1600/IMG_9014.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TLIV--In9uI/AAAAAAAAAqY/c-EIhQEfGgk/s320/IMG_9014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526503864312264418" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TLIWAdq83tI/AAAAAAAAAqo/b80FoevRzuY/s1600/IMG_9037.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TLIWAdq83tI/AAAAAAAAAqo/b80FoevRzuY/s320/IMG_9037.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526503889957609170" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TLIbqi1MdoI/AAAAAAAAArI/gRrw0VHSCYE/s1600/IMG_9068.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TLIbqi1MdoI/AAAAAAAAArI/gRrw0VHSCYE/s320/IMG_9068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526510110455395970" border="0" /></a><br />Mommy and Daddy are doing really well. We're getting in the swing of nighttime feedings, a million diapers a day, and the smell of spit up. We are so thankful for such a good first week of sleep. Riley had 2 nights where she wanted to be up most of the night - one of which we dealt with, the other my fantastic mother took care of (a bonus to bottle-feeding, THANK YOU ZIBAH). Other than that it has been a dream of only 2 feedings/night followed fairly quickly with more sleep each time. Yahoo! I'm going to sing praises even though it makes me nervous to think that this could all change tomorrow (or tonight - ah!). Hopefully she'll take after her brother and be down to one feeding a night within a month.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TLIV_vE5jHI/AAAAAAAAAqg/K17Ys9cHsGM/s1600/IMG_9031.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TLIV_vE5jHI/AAAAAAAAAqg/K17Ys9cHsGM/s320/IMG_9031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526503877449976946" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TLIbpuND3rI/AAAAAAAAAq4/PnCm-tpGD0s/s1600/IMG_9060.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TLIbpuND3rI/AAAAAAAAAq4/PnCm-tpGD0s/s320/IMG_9060.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526510096328416946" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TLIbqIOeeLI/AAAAAAAAArA/fs0TXEJfukc/s1600/IMG_9065.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TLIbqIOeeLI/AAAAAAAAArA/fs0TXEJfukc/s320/IMG_9065.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526510103313676466" border="0" /></a>We have had a slew of visitors from near and far: Gigi (Josh's mom), Zibah (my mom), Deeda (my dad), Uncle Joel and Catherine, Aunt EB, Uncle Mark, Aunt V (Veronica), Uncle Jim, a party of extended relatives, neighbors, and more. Riley has performed well and slept through just about all of it. While Aunt V was here she dubbed Riley "Winky" after her somewhat slow eye. Unless Riley really feels that you are worth viewing she tends to prefer to just open her right eye at first, leaving the left eye to follow suite once properly awake. The left eye is getting stronger every day, but until then Winky she will be!Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-55283132112458328152010-10-02T17:16:00.007-04:002010-10-02T17:56:22.656-04:00Welcome Riley Wyn Barricklow<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKek28gebFI/AAAAAAAAApo/nqhlyrZxXsc/s1600/IMG_8955.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKek28gebFI/AAAAAAAAApo/nqhlyrZxXsc/s320/IMG_8955.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523564731855432786" border="0" /></a>Riley Wyn Barricklow came into the world last night, October 1, 2010 at 8:38pm. She weighed 8 pounds 3 ounces, is 20.75 inches long, with a full head of dark hair (where did that come from?), and the signature Barricklow chin. She's strong and healthy, ready to meet the world.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKemBIi8sJI/AAAAAAAAApw/qlUwTr8L_Kg/s1600/100_2255.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKemBIi8sJI/AAAAAAAAApw/qlUwTr8L_Kg/s320/100_2255.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523566006397350034" border="0" /></a><br />Labor was almost storybook even though I had to be induced. Things progressed at a reasonable pace and Josh and I used it as a day's vacation - sitting in the quiet hospital room watching TV and movies enjoy some "down time" together. We skyped goodnight with Dean, Gigi, Uncle Joel, and Catherine at about 8pm, and shortly after hanging up with them Riley decided she wanted to come join the party! I had some post-delivery complications, but Riley did great and after a few hours everyone was sleeping soundly.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKemBW7U4RI/AAAAAAAAAp4/rbhpsRzqT7c/s1600/100_2257.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKemBW7U4RI/AAAAAAAAAp4/rbhpsRzqT7c/s320/100_2257.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523566010257694994" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKemNH_pXGI/AAAAAAAAAqA/U0T6yKLq5lI/s1600/100_2265.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKemNH_pXGI/AAAAAAAAAqA/U0T6yKLq5lI/s320/100_2265.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523566212407712866" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The morning was filled with visitors and fun. Big Brother Dean seemed fascinated with "Liley" when he arrived this morning, but was quickly distracted by all the relatives around, not to mention the fish tank down the hall. We were able to get some great pictures of him giving kisses and "holding" Riley before he was running around the room and playing in the curtains.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKekU8-sHSI/AAAAAAAAAo4/u5xTxTaBuxs/s1600/IMG_8921.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKekU8-sHSI/AAAAAAAAAo4/u5xTxTaBuxs/s320/IMG_8921.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523564147866606882" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKekVNXoZAI/AAAAAAAAApA/9qVRzMZ5FAo/s1600/IMG_8927.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKekVNXoZAI/AAAAAAAAApA/9qVRzMZ5FAo/s320/IMG_8927.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523564152266187778" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKekUYn3jzI/AAAAAAAAAow/HhSso_GZtJg/s1600/DSC_0031.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKekUYn3jzI/AAAAAAAAAow/HhSso_GZtJg/s320/DSC_0031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523564138107211570" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKekUHH6fhI/AAAAAAAAAoo/a1EwOffMPGg/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKekUHH6fhI/AAAAAAAAAoo/a1EwOffMPGg/s320/DSC_0017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523564133409783314" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKekUG9NF4I/AAAAAAAAAog/ib53Q8uX4NE/s1600/DSC_0004.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKekUG9NF4I/AAAAAAAAAog/ib53Q8uX4NE/s320/DSC_0004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523564133364864898" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKek2FqDlaI/AAAAAAAAApI/flyu6ByRZkQ/s1600/IMG_8930.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKek2FqDlaI/AAAAAAAAApI/flyu6ByRZkQ/s320/IMG_8930.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523564717131666850" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKek2sYjPsI/AAAAAAAAApg/MlKjs81Ua18/s1600/IMG_8940.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKek2sYjPsI/AAAAAAAAApg/MlKjs81Ua18/s320/IMG_8940.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523564727527227074" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKek2WKCQcI/AAAAAAAAApY/QB969oLLHPA/s1600/IMG_8936.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKek2WKCQcI/AAAAAAAAApY/QB969oLLHPA/s320/IMG_8936.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5523564721560764866" border="0" /></a><br />Thanks to all who sent notes of encouragement and congratulations. We are so blessed with such a strong supportive group!Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-48655119811714610752010-09-30T15:25:00.003-04:002010-09-30T15:45:17.555-04:00Happy Birthday Dean!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKTnuTqdrQI/AAAAAAAAAoI/PG-yhWw9oUE/s1600/100_2226.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKTnuTqdrQI/AAAAAAAAAoI/PG-yhWw9oUE/s320/100_2226.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522793825801448706" border="0" /></a><br />I can't believe it's been 2 years! Dean turned 2 years old on September 29 and we had our first round of birthday celebrations with Uncle Joel, Catherine, and Zibah. We started the day with Kindermusik and play time at Zibah and Deeda's house. Then home where Josh took him out for chicken nuggets and to see the airplanes at the airport observation deck. After a good nap by all, we were rejoined by Zibah, Uncle Joel, and Catherine for presents, pizza, and donuts. <br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKTnuHQQFfI/AAAAAAAAAoA/6T6san9BN-c/s1600/100_2229.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKTnuHQQFfI/AAAAAAAAAoA/6T6san9BN-c/s320/100_2229.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522793822470280690" border="0" /></a><br />I was really amazed at how Dean seemed to really grasp the idea that it was his birthday (or at least that it was a day where everyone was focused on him) and knew his age! He loved the act of opening presents and playing with them all immediately. One great thing about a 2 year-old's birthday is that gifts don't really matter. Dean got to open everything from rain boots and a Mickey Mouse play set to juice boxes and fruit snacks, and loved them all! After much celebration we all went out to Monkey Joe's for bouncy castle fun. Unfortunately, Dean was a bit freaked by the huge inflatable monkey and would only play back in the back corner. Still seemed to have a blast though, as did all the adults who got to play for free (minus over-pregnant mom).<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKTnvNwN3MI/AAAAAAAAAoY/JRB91DMYsrM/s1600/100_2248.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKTnvNwN3MI/AAAAAAAAAoY/JRB91DMYsrM/s320/100_2248.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522793841394834626" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKTnuoHLp_I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/LRgDaBPsq4I/s1600/100_2241.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TKTnuoHLp_I/AAAAAAAAAoQ/LRgDaBPsq4I/s320/100_2241.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522793831290611698" border="0" /></a><br />Dean went to bed exhausted and woke up wanting more. Go figure! I think this was just stage 1 of many birthday celebrations for him since relatives are coming into town over the next week to meet his soon-to-be-born little sister. Hopefully he won't come to expect a week's worth of celebration and presents next year. I guess, as long as he's ok getting juice boxes and fruit snacks it doesn't really matter though.<br /><br />Happy Birthday to my baby boy! Your Mama loves you very much!!!Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-25012749116255396072010-09-17T20:09:00.003-04:002010-09-17T20:22:47.234-04:00No control<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TJQGSNFK1EI/AAAAAAAAAn4/iQYs_EBQXOE/s1600/reading.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TJQGSNFK1EI/AAAAAAAAAn4/iQYs_EBQXOE/s320/reading.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518042353254454338" border="0" /></a><br />I think that the biggest lesson that I keep learning over and over and over again, is that I am not in control. This seems to be forgotten as quickly as it is learned. Recently Dean has decided that when I put him to bed it is the absolute worst thing in the world. He claws, kicks, screams...in general, throws the biggest tantrum a 2 year old can throw when I try to put him in his crib. One would think that it had something to do with the bed, but when my husband puts him to bed it's peace and quiet, down for the count in a matter of minutes. Maybe he can sense that something is about to happen to mommy (the baby) or maybe it's just one of those seemingly random phases that kids go through. Either way, it has had me pulling out my hair, constantly in tears, and generally exhausted for a week now. I have tried every trick in the book with the same results. Last night my husband put him to sleep, with no fuss of course, but at 3:30am he was awake with the same tantrum and hysterical screaming. We decided to see how long he could go. Josh put earplugs in and turned on the TV in our room. I retreated to our den, aka "the cave", turned the TV on, and grabbed my laptop. I spent the next hour trying to tune out the wailing and thumping, and writing out my prayers. I have alaywas been one to process outwardly faster than inwardly, so the writing was a big help to me. 2 pages into it I realized my problem was not that Dean was in hysterics - that was going to happen off and on for his whole childhood. The problem was how I was handling it. I was trying to control every element of the situation, every behavior that he had. I started to receive that familiar sense of peace that I get when I know I'm truly listening to God. I could see him shaking his head with a smile on his face, so happy to have me come around yet again. The crying eventually stopped (an hour and 15 minutes later) and Dean fell back asleep until the morning, when he awoke as if nothing had happened. How thankful I am for a gracious God, and the knowledge that I am NEVER in control. What a wonderful world THAT is! Yes, I will need to make decisions, and yes, I will need to be an active participant in this world, but I DO NOT control it! This I can remember this lesson when Riley comes along and I am trying to manage a 2 year old and new born? Or better yet, do you think I can even remember this lesson tonight when Dean is having another tantrum? Maybe, maybe not. The learning process is all part of the journey.Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-32997160389913001382010-08-28T14:23:00.004-04:002010-08-28T15:22:39.465-04:00Soon to be 4<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/THlgfS6M3JI/AAAAAAAAAkA/Vu65psvEYzw/s1600/100_0115.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/THlgfS6M3JI/AAAAAAAAAkA/Vu65psvEYzw/s320/100_0115.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510541709832674450" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/THlgfS6M3JI/AAAAAAAAAkA/Vu65psvEYzw/s1600/100_0115.JPG"><br /></a>3 1/2 weeks to go in this pregnancy and I have the usual mix of emotions: anxiousness, fear, joy, excitement, and a little sadness. Anxious of what labor will be like and how the first few months home will be. Fear that I will not be able to give both my children and my husband the time and energy that they deserve, and that they will not know how much I love them all. Joy that our family is expanding and a little girl is coming into our midst. Excitement to see her develop and how similar and different she is from each of the rest of us, and excitement to see her daddy hold her for the first time. Sadness that the chapter we are in is coming to a close: that we it will no longer be just the 3 of us, that my days will no longer be Mommy and Dean. I rock Dean before bedtime and naptime just so I can sit and hold him and let God know how thankful I am for him. Those peaceful moments where he lays his head on my shoulder and lays against my chest make up for even the hardest of days.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/THlhwpqTe2I/AAAAAAAAAkI/tazDMIiW1SA/s1600/IMG_8316.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/THlhwpqTe2I/AAAAAAAAAkI/tazDMIiW1SA/s320/IMG_8316.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510543107509418850" border="0" /></a><br />As exhaustion takes over and my physical movement becomes more and more limited, I can't stop thinking of all the things that I wish I had done before now; moments that I will never get back. Luckily my pregnancy hormones do not allow me to stay in one emotional state for too long. As quickly as I dive into sadness for what is "lost", I jump right back out and get so excited about watching Dean and Riley grow up together. Watching Dean teach her how to get into mischief, seeing them play with their cousins and swim at the lake, opening presents on Christmas morning, Dean trying to give Riley a bottle or get her to play with him...so much to look forward too.<br /><br />When I was pregnant with Dean I was completely convinced that I would give birth at least 2 weeks early. I was enormous and by measurements, so was Dean...well, enormous considering my normal size and frame. When the 2 weeks prior came and went, I was encouraged by my physician to schedule a c-section as early as a week before my due date. Josh and I both agreed that this was not in the cards for us and opted to push on through. When my due date came and went, an ultrasound was scheduled estimating that Dean was approximately 10 pounds. Of course there was worry that I would be able to pass a 10 pound baby and again a c-section was pushed. We declined. At a week overdue my doc had had enough, and said that they wanted to schedule an induction. By this point, I was just so ready to have the baby I would have agreed to just about anything. Well, I won't go into detail about my labor, but let's just say it was quite abnormal. I never got to experience the excitement of the first contraction or my water breaking. I missed out on getting to call people to say I was going into labor. I didn't even get to practice any of the relaxation techniques that we had learned in class.<br /><br />People have asked me if I'm nervous about labor or giving birth. I immediately say NO. I know it's going to be hard. I know it's going to hurt. But I also know that a baby comes out of it. And I know that with that incentive I can get through anything. Josh and I packed a bag today and talked about our plan for what to do with Dean. It was so fun to see him practically giddy about the whole process. We day dreamed about Dean coming to meet Riley for the first time in the hospital, what songs we wanted to put on the labor playlist and post-labor playlist (such iPod nerds, I know), and what bottle-feeding from the beginning will be like (again...another story that I may tell another day).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/THlge8QV0OI/AAAAAAAAAj4/h0QOHMqrR3w/s1600/100_0101.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/THlge8QV0OI/AAAAAAAAAj4/h0QOHMqrR3w/s320/100_0101.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5510541703751520482" border="0" /></a><br />3 1/2 weeks to go...or 2...or 5...the not-knowing when it will happen is sometimes harder than the physical weight of it all. I know one thing though. This time, I'm not letting myself get emotionally attached to the notion of Riley showing herself early. In fact, I am trying to think of it as being 5 more weeks so that I can be pleasantly surprised if she comes earlier :) Reverse psychology I suppose.Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-49156644757089710912010-06-29T07:17:00.007-04:002010-06-29T09:04:00.708-04:00Lake House Magic<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TCndHcpYvfI/AAAAAAAAAjM/Zz0JPIcTWMk/s1600/100_2084.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TCndHcpYvfI/AAAAAAAAAjM/Zz0JPIcTWMk/s320/100_2084.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488160740946263538" border="0" /></a><br />We went to my family's lake house this past weekend with my brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and nephew for a few days of rest and connection. What a magical place the lake house is. There is something about that house and that location that immediately puts me at ease and helps me to forget about any stress or angst that I may be having. To those that have been there you'll completely understand what I'm talking about.<br /><br />We spent 3 days floating in the water, eating as much food as we could put in our bodies, wondering at the marvel of our children, and discussing what the future may bring our way. I wish that we had many more days there. It brought back memories of what it was like at the lake house when I was growing up. I hope that my kids get to experience that same kind of family vacation environment: freedom to play all day, no scheduled restrictions, meals together on the porch, games played together, and a family room full of kids in sleeping bags.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Uncle Zach, Tia Lauren, and Noah<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TCnaH-VCWGI/AAAAAAAAAh8/_atbGvJJJ9k/s1600/100_2068.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TCnaH-VCWGI/AAAAAAAAAh8/_atbGvJJJ9k/s320/100_2068.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488157451452831842" border="0" /></a><br />First push-up pop!<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TCnaIPjTTxI/AAAAAAAAAiE/TYfC9GgT7mE/s1600/100_2073.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TCnaIPjTTxI/AAAAAAAAAiE/TYfC9GgT7mE/s320/100_2073.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488157456076066578" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Trying to stay in the shade in the Pink Throne<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TCnaIk4gUaI/AAAAAAAAAiM/HbdVggyw9Hg/s1600/100_2079.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TCnaIk4gUaI/AAAAAAAAAiM/HbdVggyw9Hg/s320/100_2079.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488157461802144162" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Cousin hugs<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TCnaJHnaL0I/AAAAAAAAAiU/jD4dcz7bkwo/s1600/100_2085.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TCnaJHnaL0I/AAAAAAAAAiU/jD4dcz7bkwo/s320/100_2085.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488157471125679938" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Dean spent a good bit of everyday playing by himself on the porch. He hardly ever wanted to even come inside.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TCnaJqoMsCI/AAAAAAAAAic/ldKBwXhY6yI/s1600/100_2080.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TCnaJqoMsCI/AAAAAAAAAic/ldKBwXhY6yI/s320/100_2080.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488157480524230690" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">A Schlitz, a baby, and a pink raft...what more could you need?<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TCncb69yyCI/AAAAAAAAAjE/h4a1GCVNi5E/s1600/100_2099.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TCncb69yyCI/AAAAAAAAAjE/h4a1GCVNi5E/s320/100_2099.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488159993170675746" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Passed out on a long, hot walk. Notice the box of raisins still held tightly in his hand.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TCncbu68sAI/AAAAAAAAAi8/zOo8d0O-roc/s1600/100_2096.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TCncbu68sAI/AAAAAAAAAi8/zOo8d0O-roc/s320/100_2096.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488159989937516546" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Breakfast. Aren't we beautiful?<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TCncbeHZdDI/AAAAAAAAAi0/fFQxl1QZ-cQ/s1600/100_2093.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TCncbeHZdDI/AAAAAAAAAi0/fFQxl1QZ-cQ/s320/100_2093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488159985426330674" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">The pier<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TCncbMJqHCI/AAAAAAAAAis/gTv480H1gKA/s1600/100_2089.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TCncbMJqHCI/AAAAAAAAAis/gTv480H1gKA/s320/100_2089.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488159980603972642" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">My nephew Noah and his favorite face<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TCncaiDNG2I/AAAAAAAAAik/hDlUVhWbOC0/s1600/100_2081.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TCncaiDNG2I/AAAAAAAAAik/hDlUVhWbOC0/s320/100_2081.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488159969302616930" border="0" /></a>Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-81263087623201675332010-06-13T14:59:00.004-04:002010-06-13T15:34:47.279-04:00Disney DeanLast week Josh had a conference in Orlando and Dean and I were invited to tag along. We were all put up in Disney's Caribbean Resort for 4 days, and while Josh went to seminars and worked at a sales booth, Dean and I swam in the pools (there were 8), played on the "beach", took long walks on the paths, and lived it up Disney style. We are completely convinced why Disney World has the reputation it does for being such a great family vacation destination. EVERYTHING is catered towards families, mainly families with small kids. Not once did we have to think twice about where we could/should go, where to eat, or even how to get there. It is well worth the money spent. Dean isn't even 2 yet and had the time of his life...and we didn't even go to the Magic Kingdom but ONCE! Here are some random pictures from our fun-filled week.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoying a snack by the pool.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TBUrrfSfAwI/AAAAAAAAAgY/jCgJ6qiOtsE/s1600/100_2001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TBUrrfSfAwI/AAAAAAAAAgY/jCgJ6qiOtsE/s320/100_2001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482336147526845186" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Riding the carousel with Daddy at Downtown Disney one night. He was so serious while on the ride and as soon as it would stop he would wail and grip that pole as if his life depended on it. The kid did not understand why he couldn't just ride it all day.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TBUru_YaK6I/AAAAAAAAAg4/herrpG5lnGQ/s1600/100_2017.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TBUru_YaK6I/AAAAAAAAAg4/herrpG5lnGQ/s320/100_2017.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482336207681235874" border="0" /></a><br />Making out with a statue of Cinderella. He asked to be picked up and then lunged at her.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TBUruTpJJzI/AAAAAAAAAgw/tXHYVu2IWP8/s1600/100_2010.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TBUruTpJJzI/AAAAAAAAAgw/tXHYVu2IWP8/s320/100_2010.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482336195940263730" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Building a tower and playing with the lego dogs at Lego Land one night after dinner.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TBUrtewJQ3I/AAAAAAAAAgo/9kpb5htJXHw/s1600/100_2008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TBUrtewJQ3I/AAAAAAAAAgo/9kpb5htJXHw/s320/100_2008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482336181742551922" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TBUuw7ImVxI/AAAAAAAAAhA/Y5IpJYkuac8/s1600/100_2025.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TBUuw7ImVxI/AAAAAAAAAhA/Y5IpJYkuac8/s320/100_2025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482339539435804434" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br />The main pool where the Pirate Ship and water slides were. This was Dean's favorite place to be. He would just float in the middle of the pool with his swimmies on, watching everything around him. He still asks to go see the "ite ship".<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TBUrrxWzxjI/AAAAAAAAAgg/YMQcDwM8GI8/s1600/100_2003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TBUrrxWzxjI/AAAAAAAAAgg/YMQcDwM8GI8/s320/100_2003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482336152376821298" border="0" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TBUrrxWzxjI/AAAAAAAAAgg/YMQcDwM8GI8/s1600/100_2003.JPG">Dean ran up to Pooh and gave him a hug when we were at Disney. Pretty adorable.</a></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TBUuxMSp3qI/AAAAAAAAAhI/KbVzdnST8v0/s1600/100_2035.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TBUuxMSp3qI/AAAAAAAAAhI/KbVzdnST8v0/s320/100_2035.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482339544041381538" border="0" /></a><br />More fun at one of the pools.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TBUuynZ_n4I/AAAAAAAAAhg/fwBs10VwAxc/s1600/100_2049.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TBUuynZ_n4I/AAAAAAAAAhg/fwBs10VwAxc/s320/100_2049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482339568499793794" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Playing in Toontown at Disney.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TBUuyPO5LYI/AAAAAAAAAhY/Sajs37QNn94/s1600/100_2044.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TBUuyPO5LYI/AAAAAAAAAhY/Sajs37QNn94/s320/100_2044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482339562010783106" border="0" /></a>They said Dean was too short to ride the kiddie roller coaster, but they had no problems letting him DRIVE the race cars. Josh worked the pedals, Dean did the steering. Josh said he had a major headache by the time they were done from slamming into the rails over and over. <br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TBUuxqmxSNI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/zdaS5ZP71PI/s1600/100_2039.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/TBUuxqmxSNI/AAAAAAAAAhQ/zdaS5ZP71PI/s320/100_2039.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5482339552178817234" border="0" /></a><br />We ended upstaying at the park until after 10pm so we could watch the light parade and fireworks. Josh's cousins met us in the park for dinner and we had a great night together. We took a few days to get home, enjoying a slow morning swimming in yet another pool and then a night in Hilton Head with our good friends the Kemeny's (the family that introduced us!). Although it's always good to be back home, I am sad that our trip is over. It was such a great bonding time for the 3 of us. It really is a magical place that brings the kid out in you. I don't know if I've ever seen Josh quite so excited and silly :)Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-62237330116226049602010-05-13T15:30:00.003-04:002010-05-13T15:34:42.673-04:00Hideout<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S-xUHhFZgXI/AAAAAAAAAgA/we-B5Ix7-A8/s1600/100_1960.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S-xUHhFZgXI/AAAAAAAAAgA/we-B5Ix7-A8/s320/100_1960.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470840135465140594" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S-xUHhFZgXI/AAAAAAAAAgA/we-B5Ix7-A8/s1600/100_1960.JPG"><br /></a>Josh has turned the little storage space under the stairs in the guys' hideout. He put an old piece of carpet in there and screwed handles to the inside of the door so he and Dean can go in, shut the door, and play. Lately they've been building really tall towers using all of Dean's blocks. Josh has had to pull out our safe for Dean to stand on just so he can reach the top.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S-xUHhFZgXI/AAAAAAAAAgA/we-B5Ix7-A8/s1600/100_1960.JPG"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S-xUHBflC3I/AAAAAAAAAf4/kvPjJ8f8-Bc/s1600/100_1958.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S-xUHBflC3I/AAAAAAAAAf4/kvPjJ8f8-Bc/s320/100_1958.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470840126985014130" border="0" /></a>Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-17063839162734629522010-05-05T13:52:00.002-04:002010-05-05T13:57:59.160-04:00Strawberry Picking<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S-GxarnZ-QI/AAAAAAAAAfo/rWgSM_gXUF4/s1600/100_1951.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S-GxarnZ-QI/AAAAAAAAAfo/rWgSM_gXUF4/s320/100_1951.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467846494547212546" border="0" /></a><br />Dean and I went to a nearby farm and picked strawberries this morning. They are so big and ripe! I had a hard time stopping at 3 pounds. I'm sure I'll be back for more next week. Dean was unsure of what we were doing out there in the hot sun at first, but once he saw me pick a big ripe strawberry from the plant he caught right on. Within 5 minutes he was coated in red goo and smiling so big. I need to remember to take his shirt off before we go next time :)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S-GxZ4mH6BI/AAAAAAAAAfg/kIgVtAkgpOU/s1600/100_1950.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S-GxZ4mH6BI/AAAAAAAAAfg/kIgVtAkgpOU/s320/100_1950.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467846480851626002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S-GxbWF-2KI/AAAAAAAAAfw/CnaVroUJ5_U/s1600/100_1952.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S-GxbWF-2KI/AAAAAAAAAfw/CnaVroUJ5_U/s320/100_1952.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467846505949747362" border="0" /></a>Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-56918285177077544492010-05-03T14:59:00.006-04:002010-05-03T15:18:04.025-04:00Hard at Work<span style="font-weight: bold;">It's a hard life being 18 months old. The adults just fill your day with tasks! You have to...</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Pick every spec of dirt out of the pool each day.<br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S98eLL0fW-I/AAAAAAAAAeo/Xglbp-6BzgY/s1600/100_1866.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S98eLL0fW-I/AAAAAAAAAeo/Xglbp-6BzgY/s320/100_1866.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467121650151414754" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Sweep the floor.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S98gMqJDc3I/AAAAAAAAAfA/ecs5YBZJ8Jg/s1600/100_1840.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S98gMqJDc3I/AAAAAAAAAfA/ecs5YBZJ8Jg/s320/100_1840.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467123874493854578" border="0" /></a><br />Ward off telemarketers.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S98giNZLeoI/AAAAAAAAAfI/kKXznfrclIc/s1600/100_1861.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S98giNZLeoI/AAAAAAAAAfI/kKXznfrclIc/s320/100_1861.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467124244733983362" border="0" /></a><br />Fix the motorcycle.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S98hGEb8dTI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/SX58CvQg-Lc/s1600/100_1869.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S98hGEb8dTI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/SX58CvQg-Lc/s320/100_1869.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467124860804953394" border="0" /></a><br />Push your aunt around.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S98hGWAMebI/AAAAAAAAAfY/0QXbgODwZqk/s1600/100_1944.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S98hGWAMebI/AAAAAAAAAfY/0QXbgODwZqk/s320/100_1944.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467124865520400818" border="0" /></a><br />Its rough, I tell you. Rough.<br /></div>Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-39339904226790251972010-04-05T09:30:00.005-04:002010-05-01T20:49:49.905-04:00Renewing LifeI actually wrote this a month ago, but didn't post.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S9zL-8-d0QI/AAAAAAAAAeg/xKwAVaI6W88/s1600/granddaddy+and+patty.JPG"><br /></a><br /><br />A lot has happened in the last few months. Dean is now running, talking, climbing, "swimming", helping with yard work, cleaning up his toys, and bringing us endless joy every day. As his personality and independence make themselves known, we are discovering what is is really like to be parents. While still an incredibly easy child, he is opening our eyes to what may lay ahead. His newest word is "No", although he always says it about 5 times in a row to get his point across, "no, no, no, no, no". The word is both a blessing and a curse I'd say. It has been tremendously helpful is knowing what he wants to communicate which was predicated with grunts and whines. At the same time, I am anticipating hearing more and more of this lovely little phrase and growing to cringe when I expect it to come.<br /><br />Josh and I find ourselves renewing discussions of who we want to be as parents and how thankful we are for the amazing examples that we have in our lives. The taste of parenthood that we've had has shown us how integrated each and every relationship we have is. No longer are things separated into neat little categories as we see fit. As our flexibilities seem to become stunted and we are beginning to hold tightly to the moments that we have with our friends and families. I am struggling with the realization that I can not just take off to go visit a friend or hike for the weekend. While this has been a reality for some time, I think it is really just now sinking in. I am craving more intimate relationships and more meaningful conversations.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S9zL-8-d0QI/AAAAAAAAAeg/xKwAVaI6W88/s1600/granddaddy+and+patty.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/S9zL-8-d0QI/AAAAAAAAAeg/xKwAVaI6W88/s320/granddaddy+and+patty.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466468330101395714" border="0" /></a><br />In January, Josh and I received the wonderful news that we are expecting our second child on September 22, the birthday of my brother and granddaddy. The week we found out happened to be right around the time when the reality of my granddaddy's cancer was becoming apparent. It was as if God was giving us a reminder that with life comes death, but with death brings live renewed. Granddaddy passed away last month. I hope that the spirit of that man flows through this baby growing inside of me. We love you "Daddaddy"!Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-91718122247921058622010-02-17T18:07:00.003-05:002010-02-21T19:56:34.105-05:00Dean Fixing Things<h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;msg&quot;}"><span class="UIIntentionalStory_Names" ft="{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;name&quot;}"> </span><span class="UIStory_Message">This weekend was full of small fix-it jobs (mainly unfinished trim work from our recent kitchen and floor remodeling projects). Dean followed Josh around "helping." This morning Dean woke up and got back to work. We watched him "work" for about 20 minutes before deciding to get the camera out and take this video.<br /></span></h3><h3 class="UIIntentionalStory_Message" ft="{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;msg&quot;}"><span class="UIStory_Message">As ba<span class="text_exposed_hide"></span><span class="text_exposed_show">ckground, yesterday Josh fixed the vent under the cabinet and tightened down the screws on Dean's chairs...you will see by the video that he was paying attention.</span></span></h3><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzv9H73IqXc2k7Bjrxqm8lo3XCn-XHZ1ALh7fZt37mJIqHXdMirZtuvDikM0lcHcqLrJ0nAWeAzAmt19nUzZw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' />Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-31431568743705314092009-12-31T15:29:00.006-05:002009-12-31T16:26:34.730-05:00Christmas Adventures 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/Sz0U3eUBDbI/AAAAAAAAAck/kzsm95hVqDY/s1600-h/100_1640.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/Sz0U3eUBDbI/AAAAAAAAAck/kzsm95hVqDY/s320/100_1640.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421512469686324658" border="0" /></a>What a Christmas this was. After a week in Panama, we were home for 4 days before getting in the car to head up to Ohio to see my brother Mark, and then on to Michigan to visit Josh's family. The day we were scheduled to leave my parents (Zibah and Deeda) came over early in the morning, clad in their Christmas PJs to celebrate an early Christmas morning together. We had a wonderful time making sweet rolls, opening presents, and laying around. Zibah and Deeda stayed to watch the Grinch Stole Christmas with Dean and I before heading home.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/Sz0U236UCII/AAAAAAAAAcc/Mirv5j8bOHw/s1600-h/100_1597.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/Sz0U236UCII/AAAAAAAAAcc/Mirv5j8bOHw/s320/100_1597.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421512459377969282" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/Sz0U2iJ4kcI/AAAAAAAAAcU/R-H7S5HnEqc/s1600-h/100_1605.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/Sz0U2iJ4kcI/AAAAAAAAAcU/R-H7S5HnEqc/s320/100_1605.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421512453537698242" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/Sz0R7GeUN_I/AAAAAAAAAbU/GVQkeg_RZSc/s1600-h/100_1599.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/Sz0R7GeUN_I/AAAAAAAAAbU/GVQkeg_RZSc/s320/100_1599.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421509233471666162" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/Sz0R7dT24ZI/AAAAAAAAAbc/jLgXpdAbsvw/s1600-h/100_1616.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/Sz0R7dT24ZI/AAAAAAAAAbc/jLgXpdAbsvw/s320/100_1616.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421509239601815954" border="0" /></a><br />Our plan was to leave the Friday before Christmas by 4pm and drive to Columbus, OH where Mark and his girlfriend Veronica live. We were going to spend the weekend with them before going up to Michigan for the week. We left right at 4pm, about an hour after the snow began to fall in Raleigh. Being the confident northerners that we were, we tsk-tsked the warnings of others and headed on our way. After an hour the traffic slowed and then thinned. While this normally would have been welcome (the thinning, not the slowing), we quickly discovered why all the hype about snow in the Carolinas. North Carolina has exactly 2 snow plows and both were obviously on vacation in Florida or somewhere equally far away...or at least that's what one would believe if they lived here during a snow storm. The roads went from dusted to impassable by the time we reached Winston-Salem, approximately 2 hours from our front door. We were forced to retreat to a Best Western for the night. Luckily we found a KFC nearby that had made few sandwiches several days before and offered it to us at a bargain price. We hunkered down in our room with our 14 month old son, and enjoyed the sounds of cable TV and a heater. Actually we had a nice night together. Dean was in an amiable mood and had fun flooding the bathroom then snuggling up with us on the bed. After a nice night's rest, we packed up our items and headed back out the the car only to discover that the plows had cleared the roads, but plowed us into the parking lot. Josh's superior skill and my amazing little mazda forced their way through the 6 foot high snow pile and out onto the road as the other lodgers looked on with envy. We were on our way again!<br /><br />Since the 2 plows made it to NC, but obviously got tired and went back home, only part of the roads were clear, making driving quite slow. The weather was beautiful and we had had plenty of sleep so we trudged on anyway. After 5 hours, we had gone somewhere around 90 miles. Josh decided it must be my driving and took his turn behind the wheel. After a short doze, I awoke to Josh laughing and weaving in the man-made lanes around the pile-ups of cars and ice from the night before. It was like taking a boat around small islands. 2 hours later we were stopped dead in our tracks on I-77. After an hour or so we heard from another driver that the highway (a turnpike at that point) had been closed down and would remain so for the rest of the night. The National guard was said to be coming around with food, water, and gas. Stranded on the highway, in 20 degree weather, with a 1 year old. Oh Boy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/Sz0T_tLVoSI/AAAAAAAAAb8/OzTSYSVGHaw/s1600-h/100_1617.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/Sz0T_tLVoSI/AAAAAAAAAb8/OzTSYSVGHaw/s320/100_1617.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421511511603781922" border="0" /></a>Lucky for us, this Mama was prepared for anything. I had managed to pack just about everything we owned into our station wagon for our trip to MI. We had blankets, pillows, 5 years worth of clothes, bags of food, and a jug of water. Not to mention a full tank of gas (since we hadn't traveled very far that day) and a laptop with car charger. After a lovely dinner of cereal bars, cheese sticks, and crackers we pulled out the bedding and set up our little 2x2 beds for the night. Dean did quite amazingly through all of this. He loves to play in the car and we gave him free reign. He emptied every container and refilled it, crawled from the tailgate to the steering wheel about 500 times, and went on 2 walks with Josh down the highway to watch the dogs and other kids playing in the snow. Right at 7pm though he seemed to know it was time for bed and began his nightly routine. After some struggle and some milk (thank goodness we had that too), he snuggled in the backseat with me to watch Baby Einstein on the laptop.<br /><br />Around 10:30pm the brakelights suddenly started coming on and cars began to roar to life. After 7 hours of no movement we began to move! Around 2:00am we found a hotel with a room and all fell into bed together. I don't know how some parents do it, but I can not sleep with my son in the bed. Maybe it's that he is a particularly noisy and active sleeper, or maybe it's the fear of crushing him, I don't know. I slept around 1 hour or so when Dean woke right up, ready to start the day. To his defense, he had just gotten a full night's sleep. We gathered our few belongings again and crammed ourselves back into our car, which was beginning to look like a bag lady's cart. My nice order and planning had turned into a trash head and chaos.<br /><br />At 11am Sunday we pulled into Mark's apartment complex, just in time to have a short lunch with veronica before she headed to her parent's house for Christmas break. So much for our nice long weekend with them. After 3 days in the car, we were ready to be at our end destination and didn't stay long ourselves. We saw the bright light at the end of the tunnel (a.k.a. the babysitters at Grammy's house that would take Dean in the morning and let us sleep in) and made our way to Onsted, MI that night. Our journey was over!<br /><br />We spent the next week lounging and visiting, playing cards and eating, opening presents and laughing. What an adventure to tell. One for the books! I hope everyone had a memorable Christmas, but maybe not quite as memorable as ours! Happy New Year!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/Sz0R8gddqNI/AAAAAAAAAb0/89vyIJ9L9Rw/s1600-h/100_1626.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/Sz0R8gddqNI/AAAAAAAAAb0/89vyIJ9L9Rw/s320/100_1626.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421509257627281618" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/Sz0R72gV40I/AAAAAAAAAbs/7kRCQjhLazM/s1600-h/100_1644.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/Sz0R72gV40I/AAAAAAAAAbs/7kRCQjhLazM/s320/100_1644.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421509246365066050" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/Sz0R7tJmzOI/AAAAAAAAAbk/wKhqDQMA0OY/s1600-h/100_1671.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/Sz0R7tJmzOI/AAAAAAAAAbk/wKhqDQMA0OY/s320/100_1671.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421509243853786338" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/Sz0UAZj818I/AAAAAAAAAcM/E0wuEZu0wco/s1600-h/100_1679.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/Sz0UAZj818I/AAAAAAAAAcM/E0wuEZu0wco/s320/100_1679.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421511523518175170" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/Sz0T_yX4wdI/AAAAAAAAAcE/LaWuP_8zDOg/s1600-h/100_1636.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/Sz0T_yX4wdI/AAAAAAAAAcE/LaWuP_8zDOg/s320/100_1636.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421511512998592978" border="0" /></a>Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-64284229201125919462009-12-22T10:56:00.003-05:002009-12-22T11:02:34.292-05:00Dis?.!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzDskKu06uI/AAAAAAAAAbM/VvlEZIxdWws/s1600-h/100_1540.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzDskKu06uI/AAAAAAAAAbM/VvlEZIxdWws/s320/100_1540.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418090457826912994" border="0" /></a><br />Dean's most popular saying right now is "Dis" (This). He uses it as a question ("what is dis"), a statement (when he wants something), and an exclamation (when he's mad). I think I hear it about 500 times a day. He's very into sorting things and emptying containers. He takes each item, one-by-one, and hands them to me saying "dis" with each one.<br /><br />While we were on our way home from Panama we had a few hours to kill in the Miami airport and the only place to eat with tables was a cuban cafeteria. After standing in line for 20 minutes getting yelled at in Spanish, Josh returned to our table defeated and pissed off with a tray full of god knows what. The receipt said fried liver was one of the items. We proceeded to attempt to swallow some of the food and get Dean to do the same. With each bite he'd take the food out of his mouth, saying "Guck!" (yuck) with disgust. After 5 or 6 bites he leaned across the table, pointed at the tray of "food" and yelled, "Dis Guck!" A GREAT first phrase, if I do say so. Needless to say, don't eat at La Cateretta in the Miami airport. Dean's review was very negative.Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-43389479895280409992009-12-21T20:32:00.006-05:002009-12-21T22:55:03.854-05:00The Gringo in Panama<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzA9aAQd4uI/AAAAAAAAAbE/DxE2xkcP00E/s1600-h/DSCF1411.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzA9aAQd4uI/AAAAAAAAAbE/DxE2xkcP00E/s320/DSCF1411.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417897868681667298" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzA9ZrISUiI/AAAAAAAAAa0/LxdaGXkwiWw/s1600-h/DSCF1395.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzA9ZrISUiI/AAAAAAAAAa0/LxdaGXkwiWw/s320/DSCF1395.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417897863010210338" border="0" /></a><br />We went to Panama a week ago to visit my brother-in-law, sister-in-law, and 4-week old nephew, Noah. Dean's first international travel and he was the hit of the country - no exaggeration. Every Panamian that we saw was completely taken by him. I think it was his bright white skin, blond hair, and blue eyes...and maybe the fact that he is like half their size already. Every where we went he had a crowd around him.<br /><br />We had a great trip. It began with our first flight being a 2-hour wrestling match with a one-year old. We were on one of those planes where there are 3 seats in a row, and we had 2 of them, with 3 of us. While it's "free" for a kid under 2 to fly (they sit on their parents laps) we are realizing that we are about at the end of the time where we can take advantage of this -- he is too big and too strong. By the time we got to Miami we were exhausted, bruised, and bleeding...ok, maybe not bleeding. Luckily, he passed out for the majority of the second flight.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzAqFRMBh3I/AAAAAAAAAZM/hj5wxzQ3n_s/s1600-h/100_1506.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzAqFRMBh3I/AAAAAAAAAZM/hj5wxzQ3n_s/s320/100_1506.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417876621728253810" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzAqFv4FfpI/AAAAAAAAAZU/4Bi8oPUQBMo/s1600-h/100_1509.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 254px; height: 191px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzAqFv4FfpI/AAAAAAAAAZU/4Bi8oPUQBMo/s320/100_1509.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417876629966126738" border="0" /></a>We arrived in Panama to find out that 2 of our pieces of luggage were lost, but spent 2 hours waiting in line to report it. We finally got to Zach and Lauren's house at 11:30pm. Noah was kind enough to offer up his bed since our pack-n-play was one of the pieces of luggage lost. He slept in his bouncey seat for 2 nights - what a guy.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzAqF7_85gI/AAAAAAAAAZc/nW9HWunG3vo/s1600-h/100_1525.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 183px; height: 244px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzAqF7_85gI/AAAAAAAAAZc/nW9HWunG3vo/s320/100_1525.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417876633220343298" border="0" /></a><br />Poor Dean got a cold the first day and had ropes of boogers hanging down his face for the first half of the week and then a nasty cough, but through it all he was in a great mood. He seemed so interested in his new cousin, especially his feet. He was fascinated by those tiny little toes. We did get a glimpse into what it will be like when our second comes along. Dean seemed to have a little jealousy. He wanted all the toys, he didn't want Noah to sit in the bouncy seat he wanted to sit in it, he wanted to be held whenever Noah was held...but all in all he was great with him.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzAy_StiZ5I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/ax8dCCHXUGE/s1600-h/DSCF1278.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzAy_StiZ5I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/ax8dCCHXUGE/s320/DSCF1278.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417886414662690706" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzAy_MxpVDI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/lyeoCK9n3qc/s1600-h/100_1511.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzAy_MxpVDI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/lyeoCK9n3qc/s320/100_1511.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417886413069308978" border="0" /></a><br />Lucky for me, it was Mother's Day while we were there. Zach, Josh, Noah, and Dean took Lauren and I out for a walk in the rainforest and out to lunch on the canal. We tried to get Dean to ride in the backpack so we could go on a real hike, but he was having nothing of it, so we were quite a sight in our skirts with our big Graco strollers hiking through the rain forest. After our hike we went to this great outdoor place on the canal and had a WONDERFUL lunch watching the boats go by. Noah did what he does best...he slept. We called it the Noah Coma while we were there. That kid can sleep!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzA4J0PGGsI/AAAAAAAAAaM/jq1yzmsVi18/s1600-h/DSCF1287.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 199px; height: 266px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzA4J0PGGsI/AAAAAAAAAaM/jq1yzmsVi18/s320/DSCF1287.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417892093018643138" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzA4JaV4YNI/AAAAAAAAAaE/IaQIGRli0Nc/s1600-h/DSCF1291.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzA4JaV4YNI/AAAAAAAAAaE/IaQIGRli0Nc/s320/DSCF1291.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417892086067781842" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzA4KskOwoI/AAAAAAAAAac/T9Gwsue4rbo/s1600-h/DSCF1318.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 268px; height: 202px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzA4KskOwoI/AAAAAAAAAac/T9Gwsue4rbo/s320/DSCF1318.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417892108139676290" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzA4KK9P6EI/AAAAAAAAAaU/TMc4oSmeeIk/s1600-h/DSCF1314.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzA4KK9P6EI/AAAAAAAAAaU/TMc4oSmeeIk/s320/DSCF1314.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417892099117803586" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzA4Kze0Q2I/AAAAAAAAAak/cG_Lwj7926Q/s1600-h/DSCF1331.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 215px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzA4Kze0Q2I/AAAAAAAAAak/cG_Lwj7926Q/s320/DSCF1331.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417892109996016482" border="0" /></a><br />Josh turned 33 while we were there. We had a day of fun for him. He and Zach went in to Zach's office to meet everyone. Then we all went bowling. Josh was too good so we made him hold Dean the whole time which Dean thought was hilarious. Good fun. That night we got a babysitter and went out for dinner and drinks. We brought Noah with us, but he was almost like a carry-on. He fell asleep before we left and didn't wake up until the way home!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzA9ZwLb-DI/AAAAAAAAAa8/iEpY9u_1Ano/s1600-h/DSCF1399.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzA9ZwLb-DI/AAAAAAAAAa8/iEpY9u_1Ano/s320/DSCF1399.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417897864365602866" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzAqGqRtsdI/AAAAAAAAAZs/0eeluqN-dUo/s1600-h/100_1574.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 243px; height: 183px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzAqGqRtsdI/AAAAAAAAAZs/0eeluqN-dUo/s320/100_1574.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417876645642875346" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzAqGJmFCsI/AAAAAAAAAZk/HTlCTuPB3gA/s1600-h/100_1572.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 290px; height: 217px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SzAqGJmFCsI/AAAAAAAAAZk/HTlCTuPB3gA/s320/100_1572.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417876636869921474" border="0" /></a><br />The week seemed to fly by. Noah had some big milestones while we were there. He gained what seemed like 2 pounds, started tracking things with his eyes, smiling even when he didn't have gas, took his first real bath, and took his first bottle. It was fun to relive some of those moments from Dean and think forward to what it will be like with our next kids (not quite yet).Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-52744027599581693402009-10-27T19:43:00.004-04:002009-10-27T19:58:56.831-04:00Christmas come early<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SueJFgRq9-I/AAAAAAAAAU0/29Fhv6uuhi4/s1600-h/100_1296.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SueJFgRq9-I/AAAAAAAAAU0/29Fhv6uuhi4/s320/100_1296.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397433406083233762" border="0" /></a><br />I've been very slack about blogging lately. Dean is now almost 13 months and I still have nothing up about his first birthday. Before I do that, I have to tell you all about what happened the other night. Every night after his bath we let Dean play in his room while he watches Baby Einstein...naked. We call this naked time and felt like this was an important time of the day, especially for a little boy. It's so fun to see his chubby white butt bopping around the room. We had been lucky with only a few leaks in the 9 months that we've been doing this.<br /><br />While Dean is enjoying his movie and freedom, I use the time to tidy up upstairs. The other night I went into our bedroom to put away some clothes. When I left the room Dean was standing up in from of his movie talking to the puppets. When I returned to the room one minute late, Dean was in the very same place but seemed to be playing with something. Can you guess what it was? My sweet little boy had defecated on the floor, picked it up, and was playing with it. He had lined it up in a neat little row in front of the TV and was trying to give it to the little doggie on the screen.<br /><br />I screamed, which of course scared him to death. I scooped him up and threw him on the changing table, trying to wipe down his hands before he could touch anything else. Goodness. Luckily it was a neat little business and there wasn't a huge mess to clean. After the clean up was done and I allowed him (now fully diapered) to return to his movie and play, he frantically searched the floor and table for his new toys and had a bit of a tantrum when he found them gone. C'est la vie Dean.Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-75099967983793932612009-09-23T20:53:00.004-04:002009-09-23T21:21:54.936-04:00Come walk with me<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SrrJYe0lnuI/AAAAAAAAAUM/VWN5Jr8J6Os/s1600-h/100_1254.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SrrJYe0lnuI/AAAAAAAAAUM/VWN5Jr8J6Os/s320/100_1254.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384837726902525666" border="0" /></a><br />I can't tell you how excited I am about this next year. I am just getting a glimpse of it right now with the cruising, standing on tip-toes just to pull that candle down off the table, opening and climbing in every cabinet and drawer that will hold him, back talking (yes, he does), refusing to eat anything green, and the intense desire to be free at all times. I feel like we are actually parenting now. Everything before this was just caretaking. Terrifying. I have a whole new slew of questions...how do you get a kid to eat vegetables when he all of a sudden decides that he hates them for no apparent reason? When do you switch them to 1 nap a day? How do you get a toddler to keep their shoes on?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SrrJX3RefWI/AAAAAAAAAUE/uQLn7q9Ct84/s1600-h/100_1211.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SrrJX3RefWI/AAAAAAAAAUE/uQLn7q9Ct84/s320/100_1211.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384837716286274914" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SrrJXUiYfgI/AAAAAAAAAT8/txx5OaRRQhk/s1600-h/100_1203.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SrrJXUiYfgI/AAAAAAAAAT8/txx5OaRRQhk/s320/100_1203.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384837706961944066" border="0" /></a><br />Questions aside, this is really a fun time. I know that I keep saying that with each stage. But it is so much fun to watch him not just learning to do physical things like rolling over, crawling, and standing. But learning to do things like sorting, organizing, recognizing specific toys and colors, arranging by sizes. It blows me away to watch such a tiny person - not even a year yet - learning these things. Wow!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SrrJYsvB6nI/AAAAAAAAAUU/y6c1WhJwH0o/s1600-h/100_1218.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SrrJYsvB6nI/AAAAAAAAAUU/y6c1WhJwH0o/s320/100_1218.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384837730637310578" border="0" /></a><br />I can't wait for him to start to walk on his own. I know other moms are probably screaming at me right now, but I don't care. I can't wait to see him toddling around!Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-58388224492325902872009-09-06T07:18:00.003-04:002009-09-06T07:53:45.731-04:00Visiting Friends<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SqOhcazhNHI/AAAAAAAAASM/fYcU4Ks1bzY/s1600-h/100_1179.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SqOhcazhNHI/AAAAAAAAASM/fYcU4Ks1bzY/s320/100_1179.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378319889614320754" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SqOhc9AV1II/AAAAAAAAASU/3ljwd26Xs6w/s1600-h/100_1178.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SqOhc9AV1II/AAAAAAAAASU/3ljwd26Xs6w/s320/100_1178.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378319898794906754" border="0" /></a><br />My good friend Ben has a 13-month-old son, Luke. He and his wife, Amy, and 5-year-old step daughter Anna live in Wilmington. This year Ben is a stay-at-home dad while his wife teaches middle school. Last week Dean and I went down to stay with them for a few days and see how other at-home parents do it. We had a really great time just sitting around and watching the boys play, seeing how an older siblings interacts with them, watching another couple tackle the joys and hardships of marriage, one parents staying home, and all that is involved in parenting. Truely a wonderful time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SqOhfLSoefI/AAAAAAAAASs/OsztOxM9VpY/s1600-h/100_1188.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SqOhfLSoefI/AAAAAAAAASs/OsztOxM9VpY/s320/100_1188.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378319936989460978" border="0" /></a><br />One thing that surprised and frustrated me was Dean's odd behavior with Luke. Let me set the stage but saying that Luke is an incredibly gentle, quiet baby. He is obviously used to being man-handled and rough-housed with, and can hold his own. He would sit quietly for hours just babbling and playing in his own little world. Dean, on the other hand, was quite disurbed by his presence. But not all the time. That was the weird thing. They would be playing just fine together, Luke would say some nonsense word (notice I said "say" not "shout") and Dean would just start bawling. Then 2 seconds later he'd be back to playing. This was the worst at meal times. We'd strap the two little guys in, and the back and forth babbling then crying would begin. I have no idea what caused this behavior. Dean has been around plenty of kids and never reacted this way. I can understand the crying while playing thing. He's so used to it just being the 2 of us all day and him being the one to make most of the noise. But why so bad during meal time?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SqOhdgguL5I/AAAAAAAAASc/fh8sOtfXJ1M/s1600-h/100_1177.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SqOhdgguL5I/AAAAAAAAASc/fh8sOtfXJ1M/s320/100_1177.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378319908325961618" border="0" /></a>Other than that the trip was wonderful. Watching Anna and the boys made me eager to have a second. It was so great to watch how much she loves her brother and how, even though they are more than 4 years apart, she really enjoys playing with him. She pulled the boys around in the walker wagon, picked them up and carried them around like humongous baby dolls, and insisted that the kids all sit on the floor to eat meals together.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SqOihSsqCOI/AAAAAAAAAS8/qaU6-3o8Cfw/s1600-h/100_1190.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SqOihSsqCOI/AAAAAAAAAS8/qaU6-3o8Cfw/s320/100_1190.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378321072849029346" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SqOig7nFpoI/AAAAAAAAAS0/8zjCPQfU_g8/s1600-h/100_1196.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SqOig7nFpoI/AAAAAAAAAS0/8zjCPQfU_g8/s320/100_1196.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378321066651657858" border="0" /></a>Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-25170183527933167062009-09-06T06:59:00.005-04:002009-09-06T07:18:30.971-04:00Sick Baby<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SqOZ4RjUbkI/AAAAAAAAAR8/oAv1qHVY0-0/s1600-h/first+cold+090509.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SqOZ4RjUbkI/AAAAAAAAAR8/oAv1qHVY0-0/s320/first+cold+090509.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378311572073770562" border="0" /></a><br />Dean got his first cold this week. I'm not sure if there is anything more pathetic than a sick baby. He had the whole package - constant running nose, sneezing (the kind that shoots boogers across the room), little bit of a cough, fever, diarrhea - so sad. The cold seems to be getting better already, but for 24 hours there I felt like I was the mother of a newborn again. All those feelings of uncertainty, second guessing everything you do...the nonstop holding (I didn't put him down except to change him for a good 15 hours)...the 45-minute bursts of sleep during the night (except when you aren't getting up to nurse your husband can do it too :) )...<br /><br />One thing that I guess shouldn't surprise me, but did, was that the only thing NOT altered by his illness was his appetite. I'm telling you, if that child was place in his highchair so sick he could barely hold his head up, he'd still eat everything on his plate.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SqOZ47rad4I/AAAAAAAAASE/zYE3Y3E3wR0/s1600-h/recovering+from+cold.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SqOZ47rad4I/AAAAAAAAASE/zYE3Y3E3wR0/s320/recovering+from+cold.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378311583382009730" border="0" /></a><br />Last night seemed to be a turning point. He slept almost all the way through the night. Awoke to a completely crusted, yet smiling face when I went in to get him. We are just finishing breakfast and although his eyes are still red-rimmed, he's babbling away and throwing food as usual. Say a prayer for full recovery!Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7921468950030322652.post-53803866489962460142009-08-16T09:52:00.002-04:002009-08-16T10:02:50.895-04:00Mommies of One<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SogRfYgm9UI/AAAAAAAAAR0/l8aZ9pwOdQg/s1600-h/100_1128.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_38SlKoSxOlo/SogRfYgm9UI/AAAAAAAAAR0/l8aZ9pwOdQg/s320/100_1128.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370561786492155202" border="0" /></a><br />I've noticed that while our church seems to have a lot of stay-at-home Mommies (we even have a weekly playgroup), there aren't that many Mommies of one child. I regretfully, haven't taken advantage of the playgroup meetings this summer. It's hard because Dean takes his morning nap during the time that they meet, and also because he is so young that it's hard to find things for him to do at the various places they meet. I know I have this weird fear of trying new things by myself and maybe I'm just making excuses to not go to this playgroup. I know that I am going stir crazy being in this house every day, doing the same thing every day. I can tell that Dean is getting that way too. He gets bored very easily and it's hard to keep him entertained at home all day. I can't help but think that when you have multiple children it's easier for them to stay entertained because they have one another. So as a Mommy of One, what do I do to keep my 10 1/2 month old entertained? I'm not sure that he's ready for a playground, but I'm going to try that this week. It's intimidating to think of taking him to a playground full of other moms and kids that know what they are doing.<br /><br />If anyone that reads this has suggestions for activities I can do with Dean, please let me know! Until then, I'll keep posting about the new things I'm determined to try with him.Rebekahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243093325745527018noreply@blogger.com1